September 03, 2019

BIBLE READING: II CORINTHIANS 8

10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

Paul had some great advice. In fact, he says here that his advice was necessary, or “expedient”. Who was he giving advice to? He was giving advice to believers there in Corinth who had said a year ago that they wanted to grow and mature in the faith. They had said that they wanted to take the next step, and go to the next level in their service for the Lord. They had “begun” the process. They had talked about it. They said they were determined to follow through. They had said the right things. So Paul gives them some timely, needed advice:
* “Now therefore perform the doing of it….”

Paul says now it is time to actually do it. Walk the walk. Paul says that they were ready. Paul says that they were willing. Paul says they were determined, which is what the word “forward” means in verse ten. They had all the ingredients and all the right intentions, but now it was time to do it. It was time to put it into action.

A lot of Christians are like that. They go to an altar and tell God they are ready. They tell God they are willing. They are convicted, they are challenged, and they do want to change. But actually doing it is a different story. Paul says take what you have, and do something with it. That is great advice. Wanting to, meaning to, and promising to really doesn’t mean anything unless you do it.